This article examines the legal and humanitarian dimensions of the food blockade in the Gaza Strip. It analyzes Israel’s responsibility as an occupying power under international humanitarian law and the law of the siege. Focusing on developments after October 7, 2023, it seeks to determine whether the deliberate use of starvation as a method of warfare can be justified under international law, and what obligations the occupying power bears in ensuring civilian access to food and humanitarian assistance.
The study employs a qualitative research method based on the analysis of treaty law, official interpretations by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and reports from international organizations such as FAO, WFP, and IPC. Cross-referencing among multiple independent sources was used to enhance the validity of findings.
The findings reveal that the Gaza blockade, through the deliberate obstruction of aid and the destruction of vital resources, constitutes the unlawful use of starvation as a weapon of war. These acts violate fundamental principles of international humanitarian law—such as the prohibition of collective punishment and the protection of civilians—and represent a direct breach of Israel’s obligations as an occupying power under the Fourth Geneva Convention and the 1977 Additional Protocols. Consequently, the Gaza blockade poses a serious challenge to the legitimacy and effectiveness of the international legal order. The paper concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for an independent monitoring mechanism, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the reconstruction of Gaza’s food system as essential international responsibilities.